With the regular season over, the top eight teams in both the Eastern and Western Conferences had been decided.
Eastern Conference top eight: Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks.
In their remaining games in April, the New York Knicks lost only once, successfully overtaking the Miami Heat to squeeze into the top four and secure home-court advantage for themselves.
Western Conference top eight: San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers.
The final two Western Conference teams to qualify were the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers.
2013–2014 Playoff Bracket.
Eastern Conference: Boston Celtics VS Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers VS Washington Wizards, Chicago Bulls VS Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks VS Miami Heat.
Western Conference: San Antonio Spurs VS Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder VS Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers VS Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers VS Houston Rockets.
The Atlanta Hawks' loyal supporters were plunged into wails of grief and despair.
"No! How could this happen?" Their eyes widened as they stared incredulously at the matchup displayed on the screen—their first-round opponent was actually the incomparably powerful Boston Celtics!
The news struck like a bolt from the blue, instantly shattering the faint spark of hope in their hearts.
The fans looked at one another, their faces full of sorrow. They racked their brains, yet they simply could not think of what their team had that could possibly allow it to defeat the Boston Celtics.
After all, the Boston Celtics were six-time champions, and their roster included the best active player—Goodwin!
Meanwhile, when the Atlanta Hawks' head coach received the news, a trace of helplessness appeared on his face as well.
He knew